A/HRC/43/8 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its thirty-fourth session from 4 to 15 November 2019. The review of Fiji was held at the 5th meeting, on 6 November 2019. The delegation of Fiji was headed by the Chief Justice, Kamal Kumar. At its 10th meeting, held on 8 November 2019, the Working Group adopted the report on Fiji. 2. On 15 January 2019, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Fiji: Brazil, Rwanda and Saudi Arabia. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21, the following documents were issued for the review of Fiji: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/34/FJI/1); (b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/34/FJI/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/34/FJI/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Belgium, Germany, Portugal, on behalf of the Group of Friends on national mechanisms for implementation, reporting and follow-up, Spain and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Fiji through the troika. These questions are available on the website of the universal periodic review. I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process A. Presentation by the State under review 5. The delegation stated that Fiji had worked to implement the majority of the recommendations from the second review cycle, embraced change and shown leadership on global human rights issues. It had ratified all nine core human rights treaties. The Cabinet had approved the withdrawal of the reservation made to article 1 of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. 6. Fiji had strong constitutional provisions that addressed discrimination on the basis of disability, race, age, gender, sexual orientation, as well as gender identity and expression. It would continue to address discrimination at the structural level, for example in education, or in access to justice or other services. 7. The Constitution had empowered the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission with an expanded anti-discrimination mandate to receive, investigate and take steps to secure appropriate redress if human rights had been violated, including making applications to court for redress or for other forms of relief or remedies. 8. The Government was aware that one of the greatest challenges was to reduce sexual and gender-based violence in Fiji, the root causes of which were patriarchal attitudes towards women and girls. 9. The 2013 Constitution not only provided for civil and political rights but also socioeconomic rights. Fiji remained committed to removing systemic and structural discrimination. The open merit recruitment and selection process had provided all Fijians with an equal opportunity for gainful employment. Fiji had also introduced the National Toppers and the Tertiary Education Scholarships and Loans Schemes, providing equal opportunities for every Fijian as regards quality and accessible education. 2